The Christian's Commandments

As God's children, we are told that we also belong to His family, but how can we know that we belong to God's family? Knowing should be important to us. God's holy Word confirms that the assurance comes if we keep His commandments.

Commandments? Weren't the Ten Commandments given to Israel? Isn't it a fact that no one has ever been able to keep these Commandments other than Messiah Jesus of Nazareth? Yes, that is true, but this is not about those commandments. This is about the other commandments.

"And hereby we so know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments" (I John 2:3).

Here John is not dealing with the Law, but rather with matters which pertain to family. John tells us that we are members of God's family, and as such, He has given specific commandments as the family head. For example, in Galatians 6:2 the family is told to "bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." But, in the last chapter of I Thessalonians, we are given twenty-two commandments. Yes, twenty-two!

"So encourage each other and give each other strength, just as you are doing now. Now, brothers and sisters, we ask you to appreciate those who work hard among you, who lead you in the Lord and teach you. Respect them with a very special love because of the work they do.

Live in peace with each other. We ask you, brothers and sisters, to warn those who do not work. Encourage the people who are afraid. Help those who are weak. Be patient with everyone. Be sure that no one pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to do what is good for each other and for all people.

Always be joyful. Pray continually, and give thanks whatever happens. That is what God wants for you in Christ Jesus.

Do not hold back the work of the Holy Spirit. Do not treat prophecy as if it were unimportant. But test everything. Keep what is good, and stay away from everything that is evil.

Now, may God himself, the God of peace, make you pure, belonging only to him. May your whole self - body, soul, and spirit - be kept safe and without fault when our Lord Jesus Christ comes. You can trust the One who calls you to do that for you.